Emma took her seat, next to him, because of course the universe had it out for her. Matthew didn’t look at her when she sat down, which was somehow worse. Like he was letting her stew in the fact that he’d gotten here first like some smug little strategy troll.

She exhaled sharply through her nose and straightened her posture. Her notes were in front of her. Her brain was full of intelligent things. She was ready. This meeting was not about Matthew. She looked at Ross subtly and drew ...